Chickpea Soup Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy chickpea soup recipe? This hearty soup is packed with protein-rich chickpeas, savory chicken sausage, and nutrient-dense kale in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this one-pot recipe is customizable, making it ideal for vegetarians, meal preppers, or anyone seeking a comforting, healthy meal. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this chickpea soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re searching for healthy dinner ideas, gluten-free options, or quick soup recipes, this chickpea soup has it all!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken (or turkey) sausage, uncooked (remove casings if using links)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• ¾ cup carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour (optional, for thicker consistency)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, see notes)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups kale, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon EACH: dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, mustard powder
• ⅛ teaspoon EACH: paprika, turmeric
• 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients

1. Measure all ingredients before starting. Remove casings from sausage links if necessary.

Cook the Sausage

1. Preheat a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, remove sausage from the pot, and set aside.

Deglaze the Pot

1. Turn off the heat and add the wine (or chicken broth). Return the heat to medium and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a silicone spatula. Simmer and reduce by half, about 4–5 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add butter to the pot along with the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
2. If using, stir in the flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.

Build the Soup

1. Stir in the lemon juice, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), and seasonings.
2. Optional: For a thicker soup, blend up to 1 cup of chickpeas with some broth using an immersion or regular blender.
3. Add all chickpeas (including pureed, if applicable) to the pot, stirring to combine.

Add Broth and Simmer

1. Gradually add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly to incorporate.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Return the sausage to the pot, cover partially, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish the Soup

1. Add the kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in Parmesan cheese over low heat. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Rich Flavor: Deglazing the pot and a blend of seasonings make every spoonful satisfying.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to fit dietary preferences.

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Tips

• Deglaze Well: Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to the broth.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor.
• Adjust Heat: Add or omit hot sauce based on your spice tolerance.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
• Greens Swap: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard.
• Legume Alternatives: Replace chickpeas with white beans or lentils.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors.

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use instead of sausage?
Diced chicken thighs or turkey can be used as a substitute.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil on top.

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Enjoy this easy and flavorful Chickpea Soup for a hearty and satisfying meal!